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Shillong, April 29, 2026: The East Khasi Hills Police’s recent special traffic enforcement drive has sparked widespread debate in the Meghalaya capital, with residents and commuters raising serious concerns about selective enforcement and the operation’s long-term effectiveness.
In a late-night “naka” (checkpoint) operation conducted on the intervening night of April 25-26, 2026, police personnel targeted key areas including Sadar, Laitumkhrah, and Lumdiengjri. Deploying over 100 officers, the drive resulted in the detection of 194 traffic violations and the imposition of fines amounting to approximately ₹2.46 lakh. Offences booked included drunk driving, illegal vehicle modifications such as altered exhausts and lights, black-tinted glasses, and failure to produce valid documents like driving licences and registration certificates.
Officials have described the exercise as part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, particularly during night hours when violations tend to increase. However, the operation has failed to win public confidence, with many viewing it as yet another temporary measure rather than a sustained initiative.
Local media reports, particularly in *The Shillong Times*, highlight a growing perception of bias in enforcement. Commuters allege that luxury SUVs, especially those bearing “Government of Meghalaya” stickers or belonging to influential individuals, often receive lenient treatment, while ordinary motorists, taxi drivers, and riders of smaller vehicles face stricter scrutiny. Similar complaints have surfaced regarding modified exhaust systems, where popular models like Royal Enfield motorcycles reportedly escape stringent action compared to scooters and smaller bikes.
Critics also point out that enforcement remains concentrated in central locations and during specific hours, leaving peripheral areas and off-peak times largely unmonitored. This selective approach, they argue, undermines the drive’s credibility and fails to address the city’s broader traffic challenges, including congestion, unsafe modifications, and rising road accidents.
Residents have called for greater transparency and impartiality in future operations. One suggestion gaining traction is the involvement of traditional Khasi village councils, known as Dorbar Shnongs, in joint enforcement drives to build public trust and ensure wider coverage.
Shillong, like many Indian hill stations, continues to grapple with traffic-related issues exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and unregulated vehicle modifications. Past enforcement campaigns have faced similar criticism for their short-lived impact, prompting calls for a more systemic, year-round approach backed by consistent monitoring and stricter compliance across all sections of society.
The East Khasi Hills Police have not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations of selective enforcement. As the debate continues, commuters hope that future actions will move beyond optics to deliver tangible and equitable improvements in road safety and traffic discipline.
